At the front of a classroom that’s abuzz with activity Monday afternoon, Ria Nair puts together the early makings of a robot.

Her newest creation is more grounded than her past project.

“I built rockets. It was really fun,” explained the Chisholm Trail sixth grader.

Long after the final bell rang to end the day, she’s joined by approximately 40 middle school students that are not in a hurry to leave campus or the classroom. Instead, these bright young minds are testing the limits of their imagination on this rainy, damp afternoon, building functioning robots, rockets that will soon soar or shiny jewelry.

It’s all part of Chisholm Trail’s after-school adventure program, X-Steam. In its second year, the Monday program is the creation of science teacher Sheila Greene.

Greene’s initial goal was to get students from different subgroups involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

“Because we’re under such strict demands in the classroom, there’s not enough time for the engineering challenges,” Greene said.

She decided to go outside the school day to offer the program, along with fun and challenging activities for students.

But she didn’t just focus on math and science. She added an art element to the program.

“So I was trying to find a way to be more inclusive and get them in,” Greene said. “Bringing art into it has made a huge difference – that design piece. Everything around us is designed by an artist, designer and engineer that work together to design something that is functional but also beautiful. I was an artist growing up, and I realized that was missing. I love me some science, but I need that art, too.”

When the club started, Greene wasn’t sure who would be willing to help. She found several teachers on campus willing to pitch in and stay after school, like Jennifer Reynolds, who leads rocket-building, and Jill Harris, who oversees the garden project.

“I didn’t know that I’d get this much help,” Greene said. “At first I thought, ‘What am I biting off?’ Then I started talking to people, and they were all willing to help.”

Reynolds worked Monday with nearly a dozen students to build rockets they hope to blast off in the coming weeks.

“Last week we launched two rockets,” she said.

Reynolds’ students must follow precise instructions to build rockets that can survive a launch.

“We’ve got through two cycles with 10 kids in each,” Reynolds said.

Sixth grader Malichi Lambert is set to shoot his rocket that can reach up to 500 feet.

In the classroom, seventh grader Jack Finney is working to complete a larger rocket that can go even higher.

Back in Greene’s classroom, Kyler Greathouse’s face lights up after his snowplow robot raises its plow. He calls Greene over to show her.

This is exactly what she hoped for when starting the program.

“It’s definitely helping kids by them starting to love it,” Greene said. “Because they love it, they work harder and try harder and do more of it. It’s a segway and pulls people in that didn’t think they had the aptitude or the interest and suddenly they get it. They find themselves being successful doing hard things. They are showing to their friends, ‘Look at this robot I built.’ It’s such a confidence booster.”

The program has paid dividends in the regular classroom with students being more open to learning new material.

“We’re having some fun with it. They know they’re going to have fun with X-Steam, and they’ll tolerate me helping them through the hard material,” Greene said. “They know enough that they are going to be able to have fun. There’s always going to be a light at the end of the tunnel coming to X-Steam. That’s what this is for them, it gives them a release.”

The program has landed several grants from multiple groups including Lowe’s and Bell Helicopter to pay for the various projects.

Reynolds points out the hard work of Greene to write the applications for the many grants that pay for the rocket kits.

Nearing 5 p.m., students continue to diligently work on their projects before the close of this week’s session.

“It’s nothing like a regular classroom, but it’s a great learning area,” Greene said.

PROJECT GRADUATION – Project Graduation is selling raffle tickets for a Ruger Youth .243 hunting rifle with a Nikon scope and a Paradise Panther cornhole set. Tickets for the rifle are $5 for one, $10 for three or $20 for five. Tickets for the cornhole set are $2 for one or $5 for three. The winners will be announced after the home basketball games Tuesday, Dec. 20, but you need not be present to win. To purchase, contact Brandi Lambert.

HOLIDAY BREAK – Students will be out for holiday break from Dec. 19-Jan. 3.

NORTHWEST

REINDEER ROMP – The 9th Annual Northwest ISD Reindeer Romp run benefiting district P.E. departments is Saturday, Dec. 10, at Alliance Airport, 2221 Alliance Blvd. There is a 1-mile race at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K at 9. Registration is $20 for students ages 4 to 18 and $25 for adults. Register early to receive a T-shirt. Sign up at nisdreindeerromp.com.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE – Northwest ISD schools will be closed Dec. 19 to Jan. 2 for winter break. The two days preceding winter break – Thursday, Dec. 15, and Friday, Dec. 16 – will serve as early-release days for students.

On these days, students will be released at the following times:

Elementary schools: 11:40 a.m.

Middle schools: 12:50 a.m.

High schools: 12:40 p.m.

Steele Accelerated High School and special programs: 12:30 p.m.

Northwest ISD’s staff calendar largely mirrors the student calendar, though Monday, Jan. 2, is a staff development day, meaning teachers and personnel will return to their campuses and offices on that day.

SLIDELL

SOCK DRIVE – Slidell students are having a sock drive now through Dec. 16. The socks will be given to residents of local nursing homes.

ACTIVITIES: “I like all sports, and in my free time, I study. When everything is done, I like to play video games, like every other kid. I like to play with my brothers, too.”

“Darren consistently models the traits of a leader. He is a driven, unique and creative learner. He works hard and succeeds academically and is a model student socially. Darren is respectful, thoughtful and helpful to others. In fact, Darren’s character has earned him a position on the Prairie View Elementary inaugural Light House Team, on which he will represent the student body proudly. Darren’s self-motivation perfectly balances his heart of gold!” – Principal Yolanda Wallace

ACTIVITIES: “I like to play with my sister and practice my gymnastics.”

“Sophia is a proactive leader. Each day she takes the initiative in helping to ensure that her classroom is organized and ready for the next school day, as part of her classroom leadership job. She has inspired others to do the same. She values the concept that together is better. When synergizing with a group, she listens to her team members and works with them to include their contributions along with her own. It is an honor to recognize Sophia in Student Spotlight.” – Principal Kim Blackburn

Kegan Magee

CHISHOLM TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Kegan Magee

GRADE: 8th

PARENTS: Odell and Adrean Magee

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Social studies

ACTIVITIES: Vice president of NJHS and member of the “A” football and basketball teams

“We are very proud of Kegan. He is an outstanding student athlete in every sense of the word. He works hard both on and off the field or court of play, keeping his grades up and making good choices. Kegan serves as a positive role model for all of those around him. He always does a great job giving his very best effort and having a great attitude each and every day at Chisholm Trail Middle School. We know that with his character, talent and work ethic that Kegan is destined for a very bright future.” – Principal Justin Vercher

Jonathan Sneed

NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL

Jonathan Sneed

GRADE: 11th

PARENTS: Jason and Amberly Sneed

FAVORITE SUBJECT: AP music theory

ACTIVITIES: “I am part of choir, three different ensembles, theatre and love to play bizarre instruments.”

“Jonathan is a wonderful, hardworking student. He works hard to be involved in as much that NHS offers as possible and still keeps his grades up. His joy is infectious, and he is a positive promoter of Northwest High School and all of our clubs and organizations, whether he is directly involved in them or not.” – Principal Jason Childress

TOWERING ACHIEVEMENT – Second grade student Devry Flores works on creating a tower out of cups during a recent Creation Station activity at Rann Elementary. Submitted photo

Decatur’s Rann Elementary has a new way to help students develop thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

And they are learning from each other.

The school is using Creation Station with all grade levels. The Creation Station is a room off the library filled with different activity bins and tables where students work in groups to solve a problem or complete a task.

While some of the projects at the lower grade levels are more structured, older students are able to take their project as far as their mind allows.

Either way, the projects are designed to tap into the creative minds of students.

For instance, one group might be instructed to build a bridge out of limited materials such as spaghetti pasta and marshmallows. They don’t follow any instructions, but rather come up with their own ideas as a team to complete the project.

Other projects might include coming up with presentations.

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES – Some of the STEM bins used in the Creation Station are seasonal in nature, such as this Halloween-related activity involving candy corn. Submitted photo

Fourth grade teacher Jennie Fitzgerald said a majority of her class wanted to discuss getting a class pet with Principal Melonie Christian, so she suggested her students create their proposal in the Creation Station.

They created a petition, wrote a formal letter to the principal and created a chart showing what the project would teach them and how it would benefit the class. They also explained the work it would take, including caring for the pet outside of the classroom and even how they could earn the money needed to purchase everything it would take to have the pet.

At other times, her students might have their own projects they want to work on and might even bring items from home to complete a craft project.

“It’s the freedom of it,” Fitzgerald said. “They aren’t being told what they have to work on. They aren’t being told to do it like this or do it like that. They get to do it completely on their own.”

Assistant Principal Kaci Cook said she has seen students who have blossomed by using the Creation Station. She mentioned one student who would often sit in class and not want to do his work or participate, but that changed in the Creation Station.

“He took one of those robotics kits, and he just soared,” Cook said. “He was leading his table, and in just a 45-minute time period he was almost completely finished with that kit. So when you take some kids out of the classroom and you put them in a different space and just let them tinker, they really thrive. It was neat to see him be the leader, just seeing his confidence and how excited he was.”

In addition to helping students think critically and solve problems, students also gain valuable lessons in teamwork.

“These little guys are learning at a very early age how to work together and communicate and all those skills you need in the real world that don’t necessarily get explicitly taught,” Cook said.

Students continue to learn, even after the project is finished. Second grade teacher Jami Leonard pointed to a student’s notebook containing notes and drawings from a recently completed project.

“When we come back to class, they reflect on what their problem was or what difficulties they came across when doing it,” she said.

Fitzgerald said her students look forward to their regular visits to the Creation Station.

“That is a sacred hour of their time, of their interest,” she said. “They get to do what they want. This is their golden hour, and they know what they want to do.”

LIVE THANKFULLY DONATIONS – All campuses are dropoff locations for Live Thankfully. Deadline is Dec. 9.

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Prices are $30 at the elementary and middle school and $40 at the high school. Order forms are on the district website. January 27 is the last day to order.

BOYD

HALF DAY – Thursday, Dec. 1, is a half day for Boyd ISD students due to a UIL meet.

DEEP DISH DISCUSSIONS – Northwest ISD and the Northwest ISD Council of PTAs will host the final Deep Dish Discussion with Superintendent Ryder Warren at Northwest High School 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Ice cream will be served. Community members can collaborate with administrators on issues facing public education and Northwest ISD.

REINDEER ROMP – The ninth annual Northwest ISD Reindeer Romp run benefiting district P.E. departments is Saturday, Dec. 10, at Alliance Airport, 2221 Alliance Blvd. There is a 1-mile race at 8:30 a.m. and a 5K at 9. Registration is $20 for students ages 4 to 18 and $25 for adults. Register early to receive a T-shirt. Sign up at nisdreindeerromp.com.

SLIDELL

ONE ACT PLAY – Slidell Junior High’s one-act play, “Chemical Imbalance: A Jekyll and Hyde Play” by Lauren Wilson, placed first at the district UIL contest. Several students also won individual honors.

SOCK DRIVE – Slidell students are having a sock drive Dec. 5-16. The socks will be given to residents of local nursing homes.

“Eduardo is a part of our fifth grade leadership team at Carson Elementary and exhibits good character, leads in AR reading points and excels in academics. His teachers have wonderful things to say about him. They say he is a self-learner, naturally curious, asks probing questions and keeps them on their toes. We are proud to have Eduardo represent Carson Elementary.” – Principal Lee Ann Farris

Wyatt Dunn

RANN ELEMENTARY

Wyatt Dunn

GRADE: 1

PARENTS: Jason and Amy Dunn

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

ACTIVITIES: He loves to play football and catch with his older brother, duck hunt with his dad, play catch with his twin sister because its her first year of softball and sometimes he helps his mom with cooking taco soup.

“Wyatt Dunn was chosen as the Spotlight Student for several reasons. He is an extremely hard worker and tries his best no matter what it is he is doing. He puts 100 percent effort into his school work, as well as working hard in sports. He is also compassionate and thinks of others oftentimes before himself. He is a leader, and students look to Wyatt for help or advice. He inspires his teacher to work harder every day, and the classroom is a better place to be because of him. Wyatt has a bright shinning future ahead of him.” – Principal Melonie Christian

Kynslee Knight

YOUNG ELEMENTARY

Kynslee Knight

GRADE: 1

PARENTS: David and Bridget Knight

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Reading

ACTIVITIES: Reading and playing soccer

“Kynslee always works hard and does her best. She is kindhearted and loves to help others. She exemplifies the character of a Decatur Eagle!” – Principal Stephanie Quarles

Maria Vgarte

MCCARROLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Maria Lopez Vgarte

GRADE: 6

PARENTS: Bertin Lopez and Maribelda Vgarte

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

ACTIVITIES: Reading and doing things for her math class

“From the first day of school, Maria has put a smile on my face. She is so happy to be here every day. Her positivity is contagious. She is one very special student, and we are so glad to have her at McCarroll!” – Principal Dewayne Tamplen

Terry Hogan

HIGH SCHOOL

Terry Lee Hogan

GRADE: 12

PARENTS: Chris and Rhonda Hogan

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

ACTIVITIES: Football

“Terry Lee is a hard worker and loyal to his school and teammates. He is very dependable, can always be counted on to get the job done and goes above and beyond in everything he does. Students like Terry Lee are who make our job so enjoyable!” – Principal Jeff Russell

After attending a Lone Star Leadership Academy session in July, Spradlin said holding doors for others has become second nature.

“You’re watching people go through it, in and out, if you’re standing there you might as well,” Spradlin said.

The weeklong academy in Austin and San Antonio is open only to Texas students who are nominated by faculty members at their school and includes curriculum on leadership and volunteering.

“They gave us pink slips and at the end of the day they would draw for prizes, so someone that acted like a leader or volunteered would get a pink slip,” he said. “That’s a better chance to win.”

The trip also featured visits to the Texas State Capitol and several museums, as well as service projects.

“We’d go at least three places a day,” he said. “We weren’t allowed to have our cell phones or any contact with our parents, but they kept us busy enough so I didn’t ever think about it.”

Since arriving back in Chico, Spradlin said he’s developed more confidence and better manners. When a local color run event was held, Spradlin was one of the first to volunteer. He’s also felt compelled to ask older Chico residents if they need help maintaining their lawns.

“It’s nothing big,” he said, “but the small things matter, too. You’re expected to help there, and I guess it stuck.”

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Prices are $30 at the elementary and middle school and $40 at the high school. Order forms are on the district website. January 27 is the last day to order.

“Emily is one of the sweetest, most dependable girls in the school. She is involved in everything and excels at all of it. You never see her without a smile on her face.” – one act play director Janet Morris

Kiley Marburger

CHICO HIGH SCHOOL

Kiley Marburger

GRADE: 12th

PARENTS: Michael Marburger and Kim Marburger

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Math

ACTIVITIES: Cheerleading, volleyball, basketball and softball

“Kiley is always the most upbeat person in the room. Not only is she a hard worker, but Kiley is also very caring. She can always be counted upon to happily help her peers and cheer her teammates on. There is no doubt that Kiley has a bright future ahead of her.” – Principal Randy Brawner

READY TO READ – Bridgeport High School students dressed up to act out stories for children at iRead Thursday. This group read “The Three Little Pigs.” From left, Careli Martinez, Alexandra Herrera, Paola Juarez, Lesley Delgadillo and Ania Ruano. Submitted photo

The three little pigs and the big, bad wolf, the Grinch and his dog Max, Cinderella and her prince – they all attended iRead Thursday at Bull Memorial Stadium.

iRead is a program where students from Bridgeport middle and high schools read aloud to their younger peers, dressing up and acting out the stories they tell.

“We brought the storybooks to life,” Cassady Craddock said.

The theme this year was “Camping with the Classics,” so the older students tried to pick books the elementary kids would know. Craddock’s group, for example, chose to read the story of Cinderella, but they did the Disney version because “the little kids wouldn’t recognize the older version.”

The reading groups chose the books on their own and assigned themselves parts. One group chose “The Three Little Pigs” and handed out roles mainly based on height – the tallest girl was the wolf, and the shortest girls were the pigs.

“And I didn’t really want to dress up so I was the narrator,” Careli Martinez said.

Often, the older students cited the children’s reactions as the best part of the night. The younger kids would get into the stories, yelling at the characters, trying to pet the dog playing Max in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or reaching for the typewriter one student brought for the reading of “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.”

“It was fun,” Natasha Grube said. “They’re very energetic, and they’re a good crowd. Very high-spirited.”

The elementary kids could be pretty critical, too – Makenna Farrow, who read “Click, Clack, Moo” said her little sister was in the crowd and told her she did a terrible job with her reading, but Farrow just laughed at that.

“We’re performing in front of people who are brutally honest,” she said.

Brenda Arellano, in the group that read “Goldilicious” by Victoria Kann, said it was fun to act out a book she’d read often as a child.

“It was a good experience to have someone to read to because when we were younger, people read to us,” Arellano said. “So we finally got to know how it feels to read to other little kids.”

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Prices are $30 at the elementary and middle school and $40 at the high school. Order forms are on the district website. January 27 is the last day to order.

“Devin has made enormous progress this year! He is working so hard and does his very best every single day. We are so proud of the great strides he has made, especially with his reading!” – Principal Martha Bock

Citlali Juarez

BRIDGEPORT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Citlali Juarez

GRADE: 4th

PARENTS: Vidal Juarez and Lorihelens Rangel

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Social studies, because it is about history and explorers like Christopher Columbus.

ACTIVITIES: Playing at her neighbor’s house, visiting faraway places, baking cakes and cupcakes. She wants to be a baker when she grows up, and her favorite holiday is Christmas.

“Citlali is a very hardworking, responsible student. She is always ready to learn and likes to participate in class. She has a positive attitude and is willing to help others.” – Principal Rita Lemoine

Shande Contreras

BRIDGEPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL

Shande Contreras

GRADE: 6th

PARENTS: Amanda and Marcos Contreras

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Outdoor adventures

ACTIVITIES: Shande is in the band at BMS and plays saxophone. He enjoys listening to and playing music. He is active with church activities at the Temple of Celebration in Decatur. When he is away from school he enjoys hanging out with friends and having fun.

“Our sixth grade teachers enthusiastically identified Shande as a student who would be an outstanding representative of our campus. He is active in band and his outdoor adventures class. His teachers praise him for his engaging personality and kind, sweet disposition toward everyone he meets at BMS. We are thrilled to have him represent our campus!” – Principal Travis Whisenant

“Ashton always has a smile on her face. She is such a positive role model for the students at BHS. After Ashton graduates she plans on attending Texas Tech University. I have no doubt that Ashton will make a positive impact on anyone she meets. She is goal-oriented and focused. She is a top student with her grades and also with her character. She is a blessing to our campus.” – Principal Jaime Sturdivant

BAGGING UP – Boyd Intermediate School students Emma Samuels and Aidan LeMasters pack bags with snacks and food to be distributed the week of Thanksgiving break at Snodgrass Park. To donate or volunteer, call the school at 940-433-9540. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

While many Wise County residents will be enjoying warm food and family time, students and staff at Boyd Intermediate School will man the Snodgrass Park pavilion to hand out meals to those in need this Thanksgiving.

Counselor Larry Owens said the feeding program is part of Boyd ISD’s character education program, which requires high school students to perform at least eight hours of community service each year. He previously oversaw a Thanksgiving break lunch program at Bridgeport ISD for six years, which fed 600 people in 2015.

“Since I’m at Boyd now, I thought we’d go ahead and bring it here,” he said. “We’ve had a ton of people already asking what they can donate or how they can help.”

Owens said the program started after staff realized some students don’t always have food outside of their school-provided meals.

“Basically, we saw the need,” he said. “We saw students were going home on a Friday that weren’t going to have any meals because their families couldn’t afford it.

“They’re gone for five days for Thanksgiving, but if you count both weekends, they’re gone nine days,” Owens said. “This would give them a chance to come get at least one meal a day, and it would help their parents not have to worry about food.”

After pitching the program to the Boyd administration, Owens said the idea took off. In addition to improving their community, students volunteering get a chance to learn about the importance of community service.

“What I’ve noticed about Boyd is how they’re very community-oriented,” he said. “Anything we can do to give back to the community, they love that. Giving kids an opportunity to serve and give back makes it even nicer.”

Intermediate school student council member Emma Samuels said she was excited for a chance to give others something to be thankful for this November.

“Some people don’t have enough food,” she said. “So we’re going to help them with what we can so they can have a break, too.”

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Prices are $30 at the elementary and middle school and $40 at the high school. Order forms are on the district website.

BOYD

STUDENT HOLIDAY – Monday, Nov. 21, is slated as a staff workday/student holiday. No classes will be held.

BRIDGEPORT

BOARD MEETINGS – The dates for the November and December school board meetings have been changed to 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

MUSIC PROGRAM – The fourth grade music class will present a program for parents and friends at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17.

CHICO

VETERAN RECOGNITION – The district is inviting all veterans to be recognized for their service 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the high school library. Breakfast will be served, followed by a Veterans Day assembly in the gym.

PARADISE

PATRIOTIC ASSEMBLY – The Paradise High School National Honor Society will have an assembly honoring current and future members of the military and veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10.

“Caylee is an exceptional young lady. She has a great, never-give-up attitude. Caylee takes on every challenge with a smile and perseverance. Boyd Elementary is lucky to have a wonderful student like Caylee Craig.” – Principal Anke Bracey

Tyler Boyd

BOYD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Tyler Boyd

GRADE: 5th

PARENTS: Randy Boyd and Lindsey Floodstrom

FAVORITE SUBJECT: “My favorite subject is math because I like having challenging questions, but my favorite teacher is Mrs. Estes because she is really nice and she always helps us out a lot.” – Tyler

ACTIVITIES: Riding his bicycle around the neighborhood and challenging his friends at racing.

“Tyler is such a hardworking young man. Every day he comes into class ready and excited to learn. Tyler also shows great compassion to his peers and always tries to help others. It’s a privilege to be Tyler’s teacher, and he is an absolute pleasure to have in my class.” – Teacher Sheryll Estes

Destini Chafer

BOYD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Destini Chafer

GRADE: 8th

PARENT: Kecia Elliott

FAVORITE SUBJECT: English

ACTIVITIES: Volleyball and basketball

“Destini is a very thoughtful and conscientious young lady who does very well, both in the classroom and on the court.” – Principal James McDonald

Ava Brooks

BOYD HIGH SCHOOL

Ava Brooks

GRADE: 9th

PARENTS: Sara and Ken Brooks

FAVORITE SUBJECTS: English, principles of human services, biology

ACTIVITIES: FCCLA secretary, One Act Play, UIL, yearbook, Justin’s Dog Rescue Volunteer and Club House for Special Needs Volunteer. She really likes kids and babysits her brother a lot.

“Ava has a very giving and caring heart. She has participated in every philanthropy event available at Boyd High School this year, including the Boyd Color Run and Elementary Fall Fest. She is a high academic achiever and goes out of her way to be a friend to those in need.” – Principal Barbara Stice

CREATIVE WRITING CREW – Alvord students Dalton Outlaw and Connor Pendley show off their published stories with instructor Sonja Edwards (center). The creative writing course is part of a larger push by the school to incorporate more electives. Since October, two other students from the class have had their work published. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

Two young Wise County authors took their first steps to international acclaim last month.

Alvord Middle School students Connor Pendley and Dalton Outlaw recently saw their work featured on the front page of the Teen Ink website.

Pendley and Outlaw are students in Sonja Edwards’ creative writing course, and one of the class requirements is to submit work for publication.

“I printed probably 30 different contests at the beginning of the semester, but they didn’t fit everybody,” Edwards said. “Like for Teen Ink, you’ve got to be a teenager.”

Pendley joked that as a result of the magazine’s rules, he almost missed the submission deadline.

“I was 12 when I first heard about it, and after my birthday, I was finally able to submit something,” he said. “Just in time, too.”

Pendley said his story, a personal narrative titled “The Boat Ride” about a fishing trip with his family and friends in South Carolina, seemed like a natural fit. After discussing several story ideas with Edwards, he couldn’t quit thinking about the fishing trip.

When he finished writing, the two edited the story together.

“After he had it written, he had dialogue, so we had to work on punctuating dialogue,” she said. “We did sentence variety to help mix it up.”

Outlaw’s piece, titled “Race for the Ring,” details the successes and failures of the 2016 Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. The Rangers’ season ended with a 6-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. The Cubs played Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians in the sixth game of the World Series.

“They both have a bad history in the World Series,” Outlaw said. “Eventually, one is going to end up getting it. So, I wrote about it because the Texas Rangers are my favorite team, and I also like the Cubs.”

For Edwards, that’s what the class is about – writing about things that mean something to the author, not just for a grade.

“I wanted them to see there’s purpose with writing,” she said. “It’s not just an academic subject you learn in school and don’t use the rest of your life.”

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Prices are $30 at the elementary and middle school and $40 at the high school. Order forms are on the district website.

DYSLEXIA INFORMATION – The district will participate in a dyslexia information meeting hosted by Decatur ISD 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at the Support Services Building, 300 S. Cates St., in Decatur. All Wise County parents with an interest in dyslexia are invited to attend.

BOYD

STUDENT HOLIDAY – Monday, Nov. 21, is slated as a staff workday/student holiday. No classes will be held.

BRIDGEPORT

PARENT NIGHT – Bridgeport High School’s Parent Night for parents of juniors and seniors is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the BHS library.

BOARD MEETINGS – The dates for the November and December school board meetings have been changed to 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

MUSIC PROGRAM – The fourth grade music class will present a program for parents and friends at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17.

CHICO

CHROMEBOOK DISTRIBUTION – Parents can attend the second ChromeBook distribution session 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the high school cafeteria.

VETERAN RECOGNITION – The district is inviting all veterans to be recognized for their service 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at the high school library. Breakfast will be served, followed by a Veterans Day assembly in the gym.

DECATUR

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL – DHS Eagle Theatre presents “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; and 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7; at the high school theater. Tickets are $10 at the door. They can be purchased in advance for $7 online at bit.ly/2eClhzc.

PARADISE

SENIOR NIGHT – Fall Sports Senior Night is before the football game this Friday at 7. Parents are to assemble at the tunnel no later than 6:45 p.m. Those recognized will include football players and managers, band, color guard, drill team, cheerleaders and cross country runners.

RETAKES RESCHEDULED – School picture retake day has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9.

PATRIOTIC ASSEMBLY – The Paradise High School National Honor Society will have an assembly honoring current and future members of the military and veterans on Thursday, Nov. 10.

PENNY WAR – Paradise Intermediate Student Council is sponsoring a Penny War between the fourth and fifth grades to help battle hunger. All money collected in the war will be donated to a local food bank that benefits citizens of Paradise.

“I have never seen Katie when she was not smiling, upbeat and willing to help others. She is involved in many activities in and out of school. Katie brings sunshine whereever she goes and is a blessing to those that know her.” – Library Aide Kaye Sharp

Carson Hering

ALVORD HIGH SCHOOL

Carson Hering

GRADE: 12th

PARENTS: Ken and Cathy Hering

FAVORITE SUBJECT: Science (Destination Imagination)

ACTIVITIES: Basketball and FCCLA

“Carson is a great student leader. He has been instrumental this year by being the “Voice of Alvord” at our spirit pep rallies, Lady Bulldog volleyball games and the morning announcements. Carson plans to attend college at Weatherford initially and then Howard Payne University to continue the family tradition. Carson is not exactly sure what he will do after graduation, but he would like to impact others by being a teacher and coach. Either way, Carson will be successful at anything he plans to do.” – Principal Rhett King

Most kids aren’t allowed to play video games until their homework is done, but that’s not the case for four Slidell eighth graders.

Playing video games is class research for their introductory programming class.

The students – Ashton Champagne, Warren Johnson, Jerl McCasland and Dusty Davis – are all advanced math students, enrolled in Algebra I, and say computer programming is a nice break from traditional classwork.

Their first project was to create a video game.

“It’s like creating a whole new world,” Champagne said. “You get to make video games that are anything you want.”

Champagne’s game has four characters that shoot each other with magical eyeballs. He said creating the graphics was his favorite part – and the easiest.

“I’ve tried to program a lot,” he said. “I make robots on my own out of scrap parts and stuff. I’ve been doing that about four years.”

Champagne is the only student with previous programming experience, but teacher Becky Reeder said all the boys have shown exceptional potential and have creative ideas.

In Johnson’s game, each player is a snake, and they try to cut each other off. McCasland’s game is a race across the screen where players have to dodge sharks, while Davis based his game on paintball, one of his favorite activities outside the classroom.

“It’s really fun to play each other’s games,” McCasland said.

Reeder said students learn how to create animations, do some coding for web pages and get an introduction to JAVA.

“If they have an interest, they can go on to take computer science I, II and III at Slidell,” Reeder said.

The students claim no special skills are required, and they enjoy the puzzle.

“It’s a challenge to find what you need to make it work,” Johnson said. “It takes out-of-the-box thinking.”

“And a great teacher!” McCasland chimed in.

Reeder smiled broadly.

She said the students are underestimating their own talent.

“They work very well together and are incredibly analytical,” she said. “If you give them a problem, they can break it down and solve it.”

YEARBOOKS ON SALE – Yearbooks are now on sale. Order by Oct. 28 for the following prices: $25, elementary and middle school; $35, high school. Prices go up $5 after the 28th. Order forms are on the district website.

BOYD

COLOR RUN – The district will host a Color Run 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the high school. Cost is $10 for the 1-mile run and $15 for the 3-mile run. Registration forms are available on the district website or any campus. For more information, email ahines@boydisd.net.

EARLY RELEASE – Bridgeport Elementary and Intermediate schools get out three hours early today, Wednesday, Oct. 26.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS – The dates for the November and December school board meetings have been changed to 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.

MUSIC PROGRAM – The fourth grade music class will present a program for parents and friends at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17.

PARADISE

RETAKES RESCHEDULED – School picture retake day has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9.

PENNY WAR – Paradise Intermediate Student Council is sponsoring a Penny War between the fourth and fifth grades to help battle hunger. All money collected in the war will be donated to a local food bank that benefits citizens of Paradise.